...It's a bodega? Someone keep me honest, but I think the definition fits…read more
Being a bodega, they have some things for which I will accept no substitutes. Surprisingly, all of these homemade items are reasonably priced!
Their Pico de Gallo is one such example. I've tried the Pico from Whole Foods, Mariano's, Cermak, Morelia, and others, and none of them come close.
The Tres Leches cake is soft, flavorful, and soaked with delicious sweet milk. This is, without an exaggeration, better than some cakes of the same name I've had for three times the money in sit-down restaurants.
The marinated chicken is thin and bursting with flavor. I've made this in the pan, in the air fryer, and both have been excellent. I haven't extensively tried marinated chicken from larger grocery stores, but perhaps due to the thickness alone, Salsa's is superior (at the very least, nowhere near inferior).
The Queso Blanco is fantastic. It is velvety and smooth, with the kind of mild, savory flavor that makes me want to put it on everything that isn't dessert. However, the yellow queso did not land in the same way. Especially since they'd added likely pre-shredded cheese from the bag (which comes with anti-caking agents like starch), and this worked against anything it otherwise had going for it.
Outside of these items, and the home-made tamales (only available on weekends - not had any yet), the rest of the experience is what I would expect from a family run bodega. Some items are prices comparable to the grocery store, and others are highway robbery. They also have repackaged items, which might work for spices, but not for the inimitable, imitation Bac'n bits. Why, other than to look fancy and char
In terms of service, it is a mixed bag. Depending on who is on shift, the service you get may be more curt or cordial, but never unpleasant.
Final verdict: There are some items that I will go out of my way to Salsa's for. At the same time, if I find myself needing ketchup or cheese slices, I will instead use one of the big chains.
